WE-Care partner Padare has been actively involved in training and equipping care champions in diverse communities, including rural areas like Dema, Goromonzi, and Hartcliffe, Harare. Padare’s care champion model is a community-based approach aimed at empowering men to become advocates for gender equality and unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW). Through training and capacitation, Padare equips men from rural and urban communities to engage in open dialogues and promote the importance of equitable caregiving responsibilities. The dialogues took place from 22 to 24 August, attended by 24 participants and 20 care champions from Goromonzi, Dema, and Hatcliffe.

Padare’s model fosters a safe and supportive learning environment for men, allowing for flexible programming that adapts to the unique needs and perspectives of different communities. As demonstrated by care champions from diverse backgrounds, this approach has empowered men to contribute to more equitable and inclusive unpaid care work. For instance, in Hartcliffe, men agreed to ensure proper maintenance of the local borehole facilities.

These community dialogues likewise engaged key volunteers and members, fostering understanding and buy-in for the project. By exploring local ideas, perceptions, myths, and beliefs, Padare aimed to ensure that all influential stakeholders were informed about the project’s goals and intentions. The dialogues highlighted how negative social norms and practices disproportionately burden women and girls with UCDW.

Read here to know more about Padare’s activities.